The three‑man panel—Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix—turned their full attention to York’s marquee race, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, as the weekend unfolded. With a maximum starting limit of twenty‑two runners, trainer Willie Mullins was aiming to secure his third victory in four editions of the Ebor on Saturday. His contenders, Love Me Tender and Mr Hollywood, were both looking to emulate the recent Breeders’ Cup Turf champion Ethical Diamond, who had previously triumphed in the York feature. "I wasn’t necessarily seeking a pure front‑runner this time because last year’s edition turned tactical and was ultimately won by a horse that later captured a Breeders’ Cup race," Mullins explained.
"The horses that were on the pace held up admirably, so I wanted a runner that could replicate that type of trip." He went on to discuss Spinning Wheel, a horse that has spent most of its career positioned prominently but was dropped to the back of the field in its most recent outing. "Honestly, I’m not sure the original plan was to win, but the result is that the horse is in excellent condition," Mullins said.
"He carries a penalty for that performance, yet even with the added weight he is still officially just one pound under the allowed limit. On top of that, Mason Paetel will be taking another five pounds off his back." Mullins described the horse’s physical attributes, noting a low‑to‑the‑ground action and a slight knee movement that tend to suit softer going.
"Those traits usually allow a horse to handle this type of ground better than most," he added. He also praised the Crisford operation, which currently enjoys a 31 percent strike‑rate.
"Their horses are fit, they’re thriving, and the whole team is buzzing with confidence." The panel reminded listeners that they could stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features by following the service on their mobile devices. When the conversation shifted to Love Me Tender, Mullins admitted the horse did not fit his usual profile. "This is the exact opposite of the type of horse I’d normally back, and I had to question myself while preparing for this race," he said.
"But I’m being drawn to Love Me Tender. He’s a big, rangy galloper, and for a race like the Ebor you need a horse with a turn of foot and a battle‑hardened temperament." He highlighted the colt’s pedigree and training, noting that Mullins’ horses rarely lack experience. "They’re simply trained to be tough," Mullins remarked, adding that the horse was purchased for €180,000.
"He’s still relatively unexposed, and with William Buick booked to ride and a draw in post 15, the odds look promising. Willie has already won two of the last three Ebors, which adds extra weight to the ticket." The discussion then turned to broader trends in the race. "The Ebor has become increasingly competitive in recent years," Sam Boswell observed.
"When you look at the data, you almost feel compelled to back a Willie Mullins runner because his horses consistently perform well here. He knows how to target this race and has a proven record." However, Boswell also admitted he did not back either of Mullins’ entries because he could not construct a compelling argument based on the German form, despite his respect for the trainer’s achievements. He suggested that Joseph O’Brien and Ryan Moore might offer a stronger case, especially with Emit—a horse that has shown promise in his fourth start at Royal Ascot.
"Emit is an interesting runner, very battle‑hardened, which is exactly what you want for the Ebor," Boswell said. "Going back up in distance should suit him well, and with Ryan Moore aboard, the partnership looks solid." Declan Rix concluded by expressing anticipation for the race’s outcome.
"I’m eager to see how Emit handles the trip. With Ryan Moore in the saddle and Joseph O’Brien’s training, the horse is in good hands," he noted. "Both men have been on a roll lately, and it will be fascinating to watch them navigate the challenges of York’s testing course." Overall, the panel’s insights painted a picture of a tightly contested Ebor Handicap, where tactical decisions, weight penalties, and the nuanced attributes of each horse will play pivotal roles.
As the field lines up on Saturday, punters and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether Mullins can add another Ebor triumph to his résumé, or whether an under‑dog like Emit will upset the established order. The excitement surrounding York’s premier staying race continues to build, promising a thrilling showdown for all involved.